Editor's Note: The following story is the second part of a series highlighting WSU student-athletes who have earned stipends through the Unleash Excellence Fund. Swimming's Mikaela Kirton was featured in the first story of the series. Join Cougar Athletics on #CougsGive day, April 12, to learn about the positive impact the Unleash Excellence Fund has already made on our student-athletes and how you can support this critical need for Cougar Athletics.

Washington State soccer player Aniah Cutler is a devoted Coug, whether it's competing at Lower Soccer Field, in the classroom, or serving the community.

"Aniah is someone who is dedicated to athletics, academics and WSU," said Soccer Head Coach Todd Shulenberger.

Cutler's passion for WSU was evident from when she first stepped foot on campus during her recruiting visit.

She immediately knew it was the place for her.

"Coming from a big city, I liked the college town," said Cutler, who played at Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif. "I knew it was the right fit for me."

Cutler's family lineage is rich in athletics. Her father Kevin played basketball at Long Beach State and is currently an NBA referee.  

"My dad is my biggest influence," she said. "He was a Division I athlete on scholarship and watching him made me and my siblings see what our future can be like."

Cutler is making the most of her time on the Pullman campus in preparation for her future.

She is majoring in kinesiology in the pursuit to be a physician's assistant focusing on patient care.

"I really like to pay attention with how the body functions and specifically how it reacts to outside factors," Cutler said of the discipline. 

In addition to her time invested with the soccer team and academics, Cutler also invests time in the community with her involvement in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Black Student-Athlete Association (BSAA).

Cutler was moved to get involved after seeing how Cougar student-athletes united to hold a candlelight vigil for football's Bryce Beekman after his passing in 2020. She joins her fellow student-athletes participating in numerous events and cites the annual Butch's Bash holiday carnival as one of her favorites of the year.

"It helps made me a much more well-rounded person," Cutler explained. "I interact with all different types of people from all sports and it's beneficial for me."

Cutler is focused on continuing to develop as she continues her WSU journey.

"I try my best to grow as an individual each year," she said. "I feel like I've been successful at that."

The stipend Cutler received from Unleash Excellence Fund has assisted her in continuing her development.

"I am staying in Pullman during the summer to take a course so I can graduate faster," Cutler said. "The biggest way the Unleash Excellence Fund has helped me is I put aside money for my rent. Without the stipend I wouldn't have been able to put money way for that."

"The Unleash Excellence Fund is all about academics and we hold our standards high," said Shulenberger. "These women are here to get an education first and to try to win a championship, as well. To get an opportunity to receive this benefit is a great thing and allows student-athletes like Aniah to further grow their academic and athletics career."

As Cutler continues her growth at WSU, she knows she has the Cougar family behind her.

"It's a family," said Cutler of what it means to be a Coug. "We all love each other, and we all support each other. To be a Coug is to show that love, to show that hard work, and to show we are going to grow every single day and that we all love and care about each other."